There are several signs of procrastination:
• Unpaid bills and parking tickets
• Stacks of unused gift certificates
• Clutter
• Last minute shopping (and the stress that comes with it!)
• Piles, not files on a desk (and the wasted time searching)
Ever notice busy people get things done? They move at a quick pace but they are not running around in circles, moving or shuffling paper or things from one area to another. Ever wonder how they do it? They have a plan, they always know what they are going to do; they take the time to plan. They are prepared for those last minute monkey wrenches that suddenly appear at the worst possible time.
Why do you procrastinate?
I think procrastinators are rebels. Rebelling and delaying the obvious, making excuses. For example, do you ever hear yourself saying...? “Leave my things alone, if you clear my desk (or other appropriate location), I won’t be able to find anything!”
The truth is, it is there, you will find it, but how much time do you waste going through the piles of paper or stuff?
Most of us know that it is best to have the brakes of our vehicle checked and repaired before the damage becomes severe. If we wait, the cost to repair is a lot higher. If we ignore the problem, we pay for it. The same is true for clutter and your to-do list.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Give your tasks the attention!
• Set goals
• Set a realistic time frame
• Prioritize
• And finally, “Do it”! Or, better yet, hire someone to do it for you.
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer and Speaker
Showing posts with label clutter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clutter. Show all posts
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Practice What You Preach!
I practice what I preach, or so I thought. I am a firm believer in regular purging. I take pride in the fact that I control my clutter. I created a habit of clearing and purging my home on a regular basis. As I bring something new into my home, I take something out.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not a minimalist, but the clutter in my home is under control. As I write this sentence I am remembering that old phrase “things that make you go hmmm”.
My “awakening” occurred recently when a family member moved to her very first apartment. I remember how exciting it is to move to your new home but also how expensive and difficult it is to stock your new place with essential items. Wanting to help out I decided to pass on one or two items that I do not use. In the back of my mind, I thought it would be a difficult task as I am not a collector.
I started in the kitchen. I searched my kitchen drawers, cabinets and pantry. Here and there I discovered extra cups, glasses, serving utensils, extra oven mitts and even cans of food that are in the cupboard-just in case items. The small bag I had on hand soon had to be replaced with a larger, sturdier bag.
Wow! Did I just find all these extra things in MY kitchen? I felt good about passing these items on, but started to question myself and my own ability to purge.
Of course, I had to continue the process; so I found myself in my linen closet repeating the process. Two large (very large) bags later I completed my task.
I have to admit, I felt lighter. Something I visually witness with my clients when they are ready to purge. Just imagine the feeling of space and organization whenever you open your cupboard or storage area.
I enjoyed the learning experience. I was reminded just how easy it is to lose control over the “stuff” in your home. How quickly one or two items become many and the wonderful feeling that engulfs you have when you finally release your clutter.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not a minimalist, but the clutter in my home is under control. As I write this sentence I am remembering that old phrase “things that make you go hmmm”.
My “awakening” occurred recently when a family member moved to her very first apartment. I remember how exciting it is to move to your new home but also how expensive and difficult it is to stock your new place with essential items. Wanting to help out I decided to pass on one or two items that I do not use. In the back of my mind, I thought it would be a difficult task as I am not a collector.
I started in the kitchen. I searched my kitchen drawers, cabinets and pantry. Here and there I discovered extra cups, glasses, serving utensils, extra oven mitts and even cans of food that are in the cupboard-just in case items. The small bag I had on hand soon had to be replaced with a larger, sturdier bag.
Wow! Did I just find all these extra things in MY kitchen? I felt good about passing these items on, but started to question myself and my own ability to purge.
Of course, I had to continue the process; so I found myself in my linen closet repeating the process. Two large (very large) bags later I completed my task.
I have to admit, I felt lighter. Something I visually witness with my clients when they are ready to purge. Just imagine the feeling of space and organization whenever you open your cupboard or storage area.
I enjoyed the learning experience. I was reminded just how easy it is to lose control over the “stuff” in your home. How quickly one or two items become many and the wonderful feeling that engulfs you have when you finally release your clutter.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Organize Your Home
Are you afraid to invite anyone over due to clutter? Or apologize to unexpected guests for the mess?
It is very easy to become overwhelmed when clutter takes over. There is also a cure. You can achieve peace and harmony in your home if you make a commitment. It takes practice and if you are ready here’s a few tips:
1. Start small start in a small room or try in stages. Take it slow so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. You will begin to see the “light at the end of the tunnel” as you chip away bit by bit.
2. Create a habit to keep each room clear of items that do not belong in the room. Things that do not belong in the room should have a “home” in the appropriate room.
3. Put things away as soon as you return home. This will help keep your entrance clear and free of clutter.
For more ideas and solutions, visit www.LurleneAnderson.com
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer, Speaker
www.organizeyourworld.ca
It is very easy to become overwhelmed when clutter takes over. There is also a cure. You can achieve peace and harmony in your home if you make a commitment. It takes practice and if you are ready here’s a few tips:
1. Start small start in a small room or try in stages. Take it slow so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. You will begin to see the “light at the end of the tunnel” as you chip away bit by bit.
2. Create a habit to keep each room clear of items that do not belong in the room. Things that do not belong in the room should have a “home” in the appropriate room.
3. Put things away as soon as you return home. This will help keep your entrance clear and free of clutter.
For more ideas and solutions, visit www.LurleneAnderson.com
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer, Speaker
www.organizeyourworld.ca
Friday, December 31, 2010
What is your New Year’s Resolution?
Is today the day that you are making a list of your resolutions for the New Year?
Are you thinking about a change? Has anyone asked you about your resolution today?
Every year, getting organized or spending more time with family and loved ones are one of the top ten.
Getting organized is actually a “habit” that you can develop with conscious effort and commitment. It takes 28 days to develop a habit, so why not commit to one change in your daily routine to create a new you for the month of January!
Start slow, here’s a list of small, baby steps to get you started:
• Make your bed each morning. (Even if you pull up the covers to your pillow, your bed will look better than an unmade bed)
• Put your keys in one location every time you walk in your door
• Clear your kitchen table each night
• Put your dishes directly in the dishwasher instead of the sink or wash your dishes right after dinner
• Designate one location for all your mail and put it in the same spot each day
• Recycle junk mail as soon as you receive it-put it in the recycling bin right away
• As you become more organized in your daily routine, you will find you have created more time to spend with family and loved ones. “Being organized can save you time”, according to the Fast Company magazine, Executives waste 6 weeks per year searching for misplaced documents!
This is my New Year’s gift to everyone-work on one resolution and you actually succeed in making two of your resolution wishes come true!
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Are you thinking about a change? Has anyone asked you about your resolution today?
Every year, getting organized or spending more time with family and loved ones are one of the top ten.
Getting organized is actually a “habit” that you can develop with conscious effort and commitment. It takes 28 days to develop a habit, so why not commit to one change in your daily routine to create a new you for the month of January!
Start slow, here’s a list of small, baby steps to get you started:
• Make your bed each morning. (Even if you pull up the covers to your pillow, your bed will look better than an unmade bed)
• Put your keys in one location every time you walk in your door
• Clear your kitchen table each night
• Put your dishes directly in the dishwasher instead of the sink or wash your dishes right after dinner
• Designate one location for all your mail and put it in the same spot each day
• Recycle junk mail as soon as you receive it-put it in the recycling bin right away
• As you become more organized in your daily routine, you will find you have created more time to spend with family and loved ones. “Being organized can save you time”, according to the Fast Company magazine, Executives waste 6 weeks per year searching for misplaced documents!
This is my New Year’s gift to everyone-work on one resolution and you actually succeed in making two of your resolution wishes come true!
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Walk That Motivates!
One of my favourite times to walk is during the spring, especially on a sunny day with a cool, light breeze. Today was just one of those days. Everyone always appears to be in a good mood and will nod their head or give a quick smile and hello as they pass you by.
I just love to hear the different songs of birds in the trees and see plants in bloom. It is a wonderful season to witness new life and rejuvenation.
Today, I discovered I was smiling more than usual and really taking in the beauty of spring. It made me think of how I feel after I clear clutter. You know, those times when you clear space and you put everything in order. It always feels good to look at the renewed space and you keep sneaking a peak to enjoy it again and again.
The walk inspired me to tackle the pile of papers I need to shred and put in the recycling bin. I know when I finish I will have immense joy looking at the newly cleared space...
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
I just love to hear the different songs of birds in the trees and see plants in bloom. It is a wonderful season to witness new life and rejuvenation.
Today, I discovered I was smiling more than usual and really taking in the beauty of spring. It made me think of how I feel after I clear clutter. You know, those times when you clear space and you put everything in order. It always feels good to look at the renewed space and you keep sneaking a peak to enjoy it again and again.
The walk inspired me to tackle the pile of papers I need to shred and put in the recycling bin. I know when I finish I will have immense joy looking at the newly cleared space...
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Thanks to the A&E series “Hoarders”, there is a growing awareness regarding “Hoarding”. I for one am happy to see this situation addressed. A family experiences many challenges if there is a hoarder in their life. I truly feel the more it is talked about, the greater the understanding and less judgement. Many of us have a hoarder in our lives and we don’t know how to help.
Whether you refer to it as hoarding, excessive clutter or chronic disorganization, there are varying degrees. Hoarding can be temporary. It could be caused by a recent move, death of a loved one, divorce, birth or a toxic environment in your home or work.
A problem with excessive clutter could also be neurological, such as ADD or MS, emotional issues or addiction-there are several causes.
If the problem is severe and you are ready, it is highly recommended to receive therapy before you attempt to de-clutter.
What I do know is outside clutter is an indication or reflection of something going on inside you.
If you have a family member, loved one or friend with excessive clutter you should never nag, criticize, ridicule, judge or clear clutter without consent.
People with clutter issues are everywhere, on your street, co-worker, or boss. They come from all walks of life.
If you have clutter, try not to feel ashamed or judged by your clutter. I know several people who have a closed door to hide clutter.
If it is severe,it is best to seek professional therapy during the de-clutter process as well. And when you are ready to deal with your clutter, choose a Professional Organizer that you feel comfortable with who respects your boundaries and can trust with your purge.
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Public Speaker and Writer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
www.LurleneAnderson.com
Whether you refer to it as hoarding, excessive clutter or chronic disorganization, there are varying degrees. Hoarding can be temporary. It could be caused by a recent move, death of a loved one, divorce, birth or a toxic environment in your home or work.
A problem with excessive clutter could also be neurological, such as ADD or MS, emotional issues or addiction-there are several causes.
If the problem is severe and you are ready, it is highly recommended to receive therapy before you attempt to de-clutter.
What I do know is outside clutter is an indication or reflection of something going on inside you.
If you have a family member, loved one or friend with excessive clutter you should never nag, criticize, ridicule, judge or clear clutter without consent.
People with clutter issues are everywhere, on your street, co-worker, or boss. They come from all walks of life.
If you have clutter, try not to feel ashamed or judged by your clutter. I know several people who have a closed door to hide clutter.
If it is severe,it is best to seek professional therapy during the de-clutter process as well. And when you are ready to deal with your clutter, choose a Professional Organizer that you feel comfortable with who respects your boundaries and can trust with your purge.
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Public Speaker and Writer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
www.LurleneAnderson.com
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Thrilled to join other Professional Organizers for the Great Organizing Getaway
January 25, 2010 is the first day of the Great Organizing Giveaway!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263547322425
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263547322425
Friday, January 15, 2010
New Year, New You!
Free Your Time to meet personal New Year Reslutions
Free your time to meet personal New Year Resolutions
• Start small
• Set attainable goals
• Share your intention; this will help you stick to it
• If you slip up, it’s okay, start again
• Set up a system that works for everyone in the household, make it fun!
How to Purge?
• Is it useful?
• Have you used it in the last 6 months?
• Do you know someone who can use it?
• Donate, donate, donate
Children’s Toys
• Right after Christmas is the best time to purge the toys
• Sort when your children are not home, you should be aware of their favourite toys, if unsure, keep those toys for them to sort
• Throw out all broken toys
• Donate age inappropriate toys and toys that are not popular with your children
Children should always be responsible for putting away their toys before going to bed or when visiting. This will develop a healthy habit.
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer,
Speaker, Writer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Free your time to meet personal New Year Resolutions
• Start small
• Set attainable goals
• Share your intention; this will help you stick to it
• If you slip up, it’s okay, start again
• Set up a system that works for everyone in the household, make it fun!
How to Purge?
• Is it useful?
• Have you used it in the last 6 months?
• Do you know someone who can use it?
• Donate, donate, donate
Children’s Toys
• Right after Christmas is the best time to purge the toys
• Sort when your children are not home, you should be aware of their favourite toys, if unsure, keep those toys for them to sort
• Throw out all broken toys
• Donate age inappropriate toys and toys that are not popular with your children
Children should always be responsible for putting away their toys before going to bed or when visiting. This will develop a healthy habit.
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer,
Speaker, Writer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Garage Sale
Summer is here! Now is the perfect time to have a garage sale and make cash while getting rid of your clutter. There are many seasoned “garage salers” who are on the hunt for bargains each weekend. Why not consider hosting a garage sale to take advantage of the weather. You will be glad you did. Many people are surprised by the income generated for just a few hours of work.
Be prepared and do not overlook details such as:
Change-be prepared and have fives, loonies & toonies ready to give change
Speaking of change, have a petty cash box or fanny pack to hold your “chi-ching”
Be sure to label all items with price stickers, some shoppers won’t take the time to ask the price-you do not want to lose a sale.
Good luck!
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Be prepared and do not overlook details such as:
Change-be prepared and have fives, loonies & toonies ready to give change
Speaking of change, have a petty cash box or fanny pack to hold your “chi-ching”
Be sure to label all items with price stickers, some shoppers won’t take the time to ask the price-you do not want to lose a sale.
Good luck!
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Hiring a Professional Organizer
Hire a professional organizer with patience & understanding. It is ok to “interview” a professional organizer to ensure you will hire someone you feel comfortable with and you feel is non-judgmental. Some people feel shame in their clutter. It can happen to anyone. Clutter can be triggered by several reasons such as a loss of a loved one, learned behaviour or past crisis, the fears are exaggerated and they need “things” around them to feel safe.
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.organizeyourworld.ca
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.organizeyourworld.ca
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Yes I am a Professional Organizer
So today I was (again) organizing my paperwork-It always feels great when it's done and I had an "AHA" moment. Even though I am naturally organized, I still have to maintain my own system. All you disorganized people out there, take note, don't feel bad, it is always a work in progress. (And yes, I do have a "junk" drawer...)
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.organizeyourworld.ca
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.organizeyourworld.ca
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
